Get Operation, maintenance -> Engine oil Guide for BMW 3 Series 4 Door Fourth Generation (1997-2006)

¹²⁴Washer fluids

Engine oil

The oil volume between the two marks

on the dipstick corresponds to approx.

1.4 US quarts/1.3 liter.

Headlamp* and windshield

washer system

Checking the oil level

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface

2. Switch the engine off after it has

reached normal operating tempera-

ture

3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-

stick out and wipe it off with a clean

lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar

material

Capacity approx.

5.6 US quarts/5.3 liters.

Fill with water and – if required – with a

washer antifreeze additive according to

manufacturer's recommendations.

We recommend that you mix the

washer fluid before adding it to

the reservoir.<

4. Carefully push the dipstick all the

way into the guide tube and pull it

out again

5. The oil level should be between the

two marks on the dipstick.

Antifreeze agents for the washer

fluid are highly flammable. For this

reason, keep them away from sources

of flame and store them only in their

closed original containers, inaccessible

to children. Comply with the instruc-

tions on the containers.<

As with fuel economy, oil consumption

is directly influenced by your driving

style and vehicle operating conditions.

Engine oil

125

Ask your BMW center for details

concerning oils that have been

BMW engines are designed to

operate without oil additives; the

use of additives could lead to damage

approved. You can also call BMW of

in some cases. This also applies to the North America toll-free at 1-800-831-

manual transmission, the differential,

and the power steering system.<

1117 or visit this website:

to obtain this infor-

mation.<

Recommendation: have the oil changed

by your BMW center only.

Alternative oil types

If a High Performance Synthetic Oil

approved by BMW should be unavail-

able, you may use small volumes of

other synthetic oils for topping up

between oil changes. The following

data must appear on the packaging:

Continuous exposure to used oil

has caused cancer in laboratory

testing. For this reason, thoroughly

wash any areas of skin that come into

contact with oil using soap and water.

Always store oils, grease and similar

materials so that they are inaccessible

to children. Comply with warning labels

and information on containers.<

Adding engine oil

While you should wait until the level has

dropped to just above the lower mark

before adding oil, you should never

allow the oil level to fall below this

mark.

>Viscosity

preferred: SAE 10W-60

alternative: SAE 5W-40 or

SAE 10W40

Do not fill beyond the upper mark on

the dipstick. Excess oil will damage the

engine.

>Specifications

Comply with the applicable envi-

ronmental laws regulating the dis-

posal of used oil.<

preferred: API SJ/CF

alternative: API SJ – also SK, SL, S

etc.

Before checking the engine oil level

after topping up, restart the engine and

allow it to run to obtain a correct dis-

play. Then proceed as described under

Checking the oil level.

Specified engine oils

Low ambient temperatures

The quality of the engine oil is

The oils used by BMW at the factory for

your vehicle model can be used at virtu-

ally any ambient temperature.

extremely important for the function

and life of an engine. Based on exten-

sive testing, BMW has approved only

certain grades of engine oil.

Use only oils approved for your vehicle

model.

¹²⁶Engine oil

Coolant

However, if the vehicle is exposed to

temperatures below –47 /–206 for

extended periods, please have your

Do not add coolant to the cooling

system when the engine is hot. If

you attempt to do so, escaping coolant

BMW center recommend a suitable oil. can cause burns.

Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents

are hazardous to health. You should

always store them in their closed origi-

nal containers and in a location inac-

cessible to children. Antifreeze and

anti-corrosion agents are inflammable.

For this reason, do not spill them on hot

engine parts. They could ignite and

cause burns. Comply with the instruc-

tions on the containers.<

Check the coolant level and add

coolant

Check the coolant level when the

engine is cold, approx. 687/+206.

1. Open the cap for the expansion tank

by turning it slightly counterclock-

wise to allow accumulated pressure

to escape. Then open

2. The coolant level is correct when the

upper end of the red float is at least

even with the upper edge of the filler

neck – refer to the arrow in the illus-

tration – but no more than 3/4 in/

2 cm above it – that is, up to the sec-

ond mark on the float. Refer also to

the schematic diagram next to the

filler neck

Operation, maintenance -> Engine oil for Your BMW 3 Series 4 Door Fourth Generation (1997-2006)

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